Technician Alleges Known Issue with Silverado Control Arms
The Silverado is a great truck, but it may be cursed with an inferior front upper control arm design. Luckily, the aftermarket is here to help.
You wouldn’t ever expect a dealer technician to recommend aftermarket parts in lieu of stock ones. However, according to Torque News, that’s just what happened. In a Facebook group for 2019 and up Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra owners, John Goodman of Tennessee relayed his experience with the stock upper control arms.
Goodman owns a 2021 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss with 36,500 miles – just outside of the factory bumper-to-bumper warranty period. While traveling through a parking lot at low speed, the stock upper control arm snapped. As if that wasn’t surprising enough, he alleges that the follow-up from his technician was even more shocking.
According to Goodman, the technician advised him that these upper control arms are a well-known failure point on these newer Silverados and Sierras. Apparently, they tend to fail way before their time – but after the factory warranty has expired. Has General Motors knowingly left owners holding the proverbial bag?
Factory Fresh, or Factory Rotten?
The technician allegedly went on to suggest a fix for the failure prone stock parts – a pair of upgraded forged control arms from none other than popular aftermarket outfitter Rough Country. Unfortunately, this upgrade, installed by the dealership, cost roughly $2,000. That’s a big chunk of change on a relatively new truck.
However, it’s worth noting that, while the Trail Boss trucks are lifted from the factory, Goodman added a leveling kit. While leveling kits don’t typically make a huge impact on suspension geometry, some commenters were suggesting that this may have contributed to the failure. We aren’t so sure here at Chevrolet Forum. We know plenty of folks with half-ton pickups from other brands that don’t have this issue with leveling kits installed.
However, if you do plan on making any changes to your truck’s suspension, do your research. Buy quality parts, and research necessary supporting modifications. Looking good is important. Performing well off-road is even better. Most important of all, though, is the safety of your family as well as the safety of those you share the road with.
Photos: John Goodman via Facebook
